Contemplative Outreach

Contemplative Outreach is an international spiritual network of individuals and small faith communities committed to renewing the contemplative dimension of the Gospel in everyday, active life. While we encourage every practice leading to Christian contemplation, our primary focus is to present the method of Centering Prayer. We develop resources and programs to further the spiritual growth of the network. A commitment to the regular daily practice is of Centering Prayer is the primary expression of belonging to the network.

Our mission is to help churches and parishes, schools and places of prayer establish a Centering Prayer Program by providing the Introduction to Centering Prayer, retreats and formation for small groups. We also train persons to teach and share the gift of Centering Prayer. We encourage the dynamic process of Lectio Divina (a spiritual praying of scripture), particularly its movement into contemplative prayer, as facilitated by a regular practice of Centering Prayer.

We identify with the Christian contemplative heritage and recognize this to be the common ground of Christian unity. Contemplative Outreach through its programs presents the teaching of the Christian contemplative heritage in an updated format.

We recognize that a mature fruit of Centering Prayer is a deepening caring response to the needs and rights of the human family an ever increasing respect for the integrity of all creation. Centering Prayer is not a withdrawal from a commitment of service, rather it is a spiritual nurturing for those committed to service.